Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Blake Snell

Discover the career path of Blake Snell, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Blake Snell is a professional baseball pitcher currently playing for the Los Angeles Dodgers in MLB. Prior to joining the Dodgers, he played for the Tampa Bay Rays, San Diego Padres, and San Francisco Giants. Snell is known for his pitching prowess and has established himself as a prominent player in Major League Baseball.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

2011: Drafted by the Rays

In 2011, Snell was selected by the Rays in the first round of the MLB draft.

2012: Played for Princeton Rays

In 2012, Snell played with the Princeton Rays, achieving a 5-1 record and a 2.09 ERA in 11 starts.

2013: Played for Bowling Green Hot Rods

In 2013, Snell played with the Bowling Green Hot Rods, compiling a 4-9 record and a 4.27 ERA in 23 starts.

2014: Promotion to Charlotte Stone Crabs

Snell started 2014 with Bowling Green and was promoted to the Charlotte Stone Crabs in May.

2015: Promotions to Montgomery Biscuits and Durham Bulls

Snell started 2015 with the Stone Crabs, was promoted to the Montgomery Biscuits, and later to the Durham Bulls. He was also named the USA Today Minor League Pitcher of the Year.

April 23, 2016: MLB Debut

On April 23, 2016, Snell made his major league debut at Yankee Stadium, allowing a run off a wild pitch in the first inning but recovering to strike out the side in the second and retiring 12 of the last 14 batters he faced. His first major league strikeout was of Brian McCann.

2016: MLB Debut

In 2016, Snell made his MLB debut with the Tampa Bay Rays.

2016: Season with Durham Bulls

Snell began the 2016 season with Durham, making 12 starts with a 3-5 record and a 3.29 ERA.

2017: Demotion and Recall

In 2017, after struggling in his first eight games, Snell was demoted to Durham on May 13. He was recalled on June 28 and finished the season with a 5-1 record and a 3.31 ERA.

2018: Started the season in the Rays rotation

Blake Snell opened the 2018 season in the Rays starting rotation.

2018: Cy Young Award

In 2018, Snell won the American League (AL) Cy Young Award and was also an All-Star, leading the league in wins and earned run average (ERA).

March 21, 2019: Signed Five-Year Contract

On March 21, 2019, Snell agreed to a five-year contract worth $50 million with the Rays.

December 29, 2020: Traded to the Padres

On December 29, 2020, the Rays traded Snell to the San Diego Padres.

2020: Postseason Performance

In 2020, Snell started multiple postseason games, including Game 2 of the World Series where he struck out nine batters. He was controversially pulled in Game 6 of the World Series, which led to criticism.